About Me

Welcome to the new, improved version of my blog. I started this blog years ago as a natural extension of my retail shop. I’ve since closed the shop and have been flopping around in an attempt to determine a new direction. I have no real plan and make no promises, other than to share my experiences as I feel my way through the next phase of my life. I hope you find something relatable.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Another Market Behind Us

We're wrapping-up our trip to the Americamart in Atlanta. Before we hit the road, I wanted to tell you about a few things.First, we had a great time working with a friends as they discovered "the market." After we got in the door, we took them into the belly of the beast. We happened upon the most helpful representative at a show room which was most fortuitous! It was a very educational experience--she told them everything they need to know about how to deal with vendors through representatives, which questions they should ask of their various vendors and more. (I wondered on several occasion where my "good fairy" sales rep was/is.) We dragged them all over the three buildings looking for anything that might be related to their new shop. We found some wonderful products and loaded them down with catalogs and tons of information to peruse. I'm very excited for them. I don't want to spoil their news, but suffice to say that their shop will be a wonderful addition to Historic Downtown Clarksville.

Second, the market was VERY slow. INCREDIBLY slow. I couldn't believe it. I've never been to the March market, but most vendors assured me it's always slow--in which case, it may be my new market. There were very few temporaries--only about 75-80 vendors, compared to the thousands of the markets I am familiar with. But it was a wonderful start for our friends--the vendors had time to really talk with them, weren't looking over our shoulders for the next appointment of better sale opportunity.Now for the stuff I want to discuss with you. I'm at an inventory crossroads. I think I'm going to add a new home fragrance line to the Hodgepodge inventory list. At the recommendation of a customer, I decided to look into Tyler Candle Company. Oh my goodness! Fabulous fragrance! An interesting and complete line--down to fine linen detergent. Several great options for candle sizes.

Then there is the new upholstered furniture line I've been looking at--not easy to find, but we did it. I found it online, but we couldn't find it at market! I know they told me they were there, but they were not in the directory. So I started dragging Kendall from floor to floor looking for the Best Slipcover Company. We had been looking since Saturday afternoon, but no luck. By Sunday I was asking other people. We found ourselves with about one hour left at market and decided to work our way down, floor-by-floor looking for these furnishings. Fortunately, Kendall spotted it on our first floor! We sat down and loved them! (Even if we weren't exhausted--we would have loved them!) They all contain down fill--usually combined with additional fill, such as a foam core, for stability and support. Here are a few samples of what we can get:

I placed some orders with old reliables and I found a few other lines to investigate. I'll blog about those when I get home. I just wanted to get your thoughts about the upholstered furniture items. There are several different collection available through this line and once I get information on shipping/delivery charges, I'll let you know how affordable it is. I think you'll be surprised--I know I was.Well, we need to go get some breakfast and hit the road. I just wanted to touch base with everyone and give you something to chew on.

I LOVE the wing back. That is MY WING BACK I have been looking for! The dimensions are PERFECT! And nice straight legs! Love the sofa off the floor but still has a slight skirt. So hit me with the prices, I have been looking for the wingback forever so I won't be shocked.

I won't be able to make it to High Point this year--not that I've ever been able to make it! I was actually considering it until we found the Best Slipcover Company the other day!I'm not familiar with Angelo Surmeli, but you can bet I'll be googling him after posting this!Thanks for your comments.

Nik,the prices are still sketchy, but very reasonable. depending on the fabric choice, the wing back starts at $850, plus $250 for a slipcover. that's with an upholstered chair--which is what i recommend for variety. i still need to research shipping/delivery.i'm so glad to know i've hit on a good one though.more later!